In The Shop: 1949 Gibson J-50 Update

On this episode of ‘In The Shop’, Joe Konkoly shares the latest updates on his restoration journey of the 1949 Gibson J-50. Get an inside look at the progress made thus far and learn about the challenges faced in adjusting the neck angle. Join us as we follow the fascinating transformation of this vintage gem.

[@briansmith2163]

You need a 30,20 and 10 year old apprentice because... What the hell would the world do without you ! Stay healthy, brother. I marvel at your patience and craftsmanship.

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks Joe. Great as always

[@richardmichael3689]

And I mis-typed. Very nice and informative video. Great work you do, and I learned a lot in watching this. Thanks! Rick

[@ElderlyInstruments]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Waynes-b2b]

Anyway I can speak with you I have a 1954 j45 needs some work it got passed down to me so it means a lot to me guess I'm saying just want to make sure that whoever works on knows what they're doing and looks like you do very good work

[@ElderlyInstruments]

We'd love to help you with your cherished instrument! Reach out to our repair shop at 517-999-9830. More information including hours and availability can be found here: www.elderly.com/pages/repair

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

I assume the tops have dropped a bit on these old guitars, requiring the wedge. Why couldn't you reinforce the area under the fb extension such that it's radius is re-established, supporting the FB extension?

[@ElderlyInstruments]

Thanks for your question, Patrick. I don't think that would make enough of a difference, and I am not sure how you would accomplish the "reinforcement". There is a tool/jig (the Thompson Belly Reducer for Gibson guitars) that re-establishes the radius at the the bridge area, and this can be very effective fix to prevent/minimize the need for a neck reset. But I have encountered many guitars that need both the Belly Reducer and a neck reset with FB extension wedge. -Joe

[@billdedrick1914]

Is this a 49' or 69' J50 or J45? At the end you mentioned it was a 1969 J45?

[@ElderlyInstruments]

It is a 1949 J-50. Sorry the confusion!

[@richardmichael3689]

At the end uou said "1969 J-45" misspoke, right?

[@ElderlyInstruments]

That's correct that Joe misspoke, the guitar is a 1949 J-50.

[@alandust2188]

How do you choose the right degree reamer?

[@ElderlyInstruments]

To choose the right degree reamer, you can compare it to the pin itself or use the manufacturer's specifications as a guide. We also have a helpful "pin comparison jig" that we'll try to showcase in an upcoming video. Thanks for the great question, Alan! -Joe

[@alandust2188]

@@ElderlyInstruments Thanks.....looking forward to seeing that "pin comparison Jig"!

[@ElderlyInstruments]

Thanks, Alan! We just filmed it today, and it'll be up in the next week. Thanks for the video idea!

[@allendesomer]

I'll say it:
Almost done! 🗯👍